Flying down to Cuba.

We were warned that getting to Cuba and back would not be easy. The U.S., after all, has not had full diplomatic relations with Cuba for a quarter of a century. But, then, international travel never has been easy. So we pressed ahead.

First, our travel agent, ever-dependent on the all-pervasive computer reservation system, insisted we couldn't get there from here directly because the computer system said so. Not true, we said. There are several "charter" flights every week. Call State Dept. for details, we suggested.

Second, after determining we could fly directly from Miami to Havana, just as thousands of Cuban-Americans have been doing for years, the agent told us the tour operator needed payment in full, in advance, before he could put us on the reservation list. No credit cards, thank you.

Third, we found that we not only needed a visa from the Cubans, but also permission from the State Department and a "license" from the Treasury Department, which would allow us to spend U.S. currency. Without that permission, Americans and residents violate the Cuban Assets Control Regulation if they use U. …

...States government against Cuba." The StateDepartment gave the lawmakers an...aides argued with the StateDepartment on how the Cuba program should be changed...difficult to monitor by the StateDepartment. The USAID Cuba program was created...

...background call on Cuba. We are pleased...to have [Senior StateDepartment Official One...start. [Senior StateDepartment Official One]?SENIOR STATEDEPARTMENT OFFICIAL ONE...the Government of Cuba can assure the...

...condemnation of Cuba was muted this year, the StateDepartment has decided to...May 30, the StateDepartment noted that...Government of Cuba began hosting...laundering, the StateDepartment praised Cuba for joining the...

...hearing loss. The StateDepartment withdrew most...officials from Cuba, warned U.S...government personnel in Cuba," a StateDepartment official told...dissidents in Cuba."In the meantime, the StateDepartment and other government...

...diplomats, the StateDepartment warned Friday...public traveling in Cuba might also be at...well," a senior StateDepartment official told reporters...not to travel to Cuba," the StateDepartment official said...

...bureaucrats in the StateDepartment who oppose the President's Cuba policy refused...enterprise in Cuba, consistent...interests," a StateDepartment official told...Rubio said.The StateDepartment plans to update the Cuba Restricted List...

...joining us for our Cuba call. We're...this week by [StateDepartment Official]. But...Department Official]. STATEDEPARTMENT OFFICIAL: Thank...the Government of Cuba it was ordering...believe it is within Cuba's ability to stop it? Thank you. STATE ...